Government sources say the actual cost of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's state funeral last month is expected to be over 1.2 billion yen, or more than 8 million dollars, which was lower than previously estimated.

Public opinion in Japan was divided over whether the government should carry out the state funeral, which was entirely covered by taxpayers' money. The funeral was held on September 27.

The government previously estimated that the funeral would cost around 1.66 billion yen, or about 11 million dollars. It said it will release a preliminary figure as soon as it examines the details after the funeral.

Sources say the actual cost was about 400 million yen less than the initially announced estimate.

A government official told NHK that the costs of deploying security personnel and welcoming foreign dignitaries turned out lower because the number of participants, including overseas guests, was fewer than initially estimated.

The government plans to present details of the costs to ruling and opposition party members at a Lower House budget committee meeting on Friday.

The state funeral is expected be a focus in a debate at a session of the Diet.